Israel held a simulation to prepare for Hamas rocket attacks. Read more...

1. Israeli Company Markets Border Security to United States An Israeli Defense company, Elbit Systems, presented its border security solutions at a recent conference in San Diego, World News Tribune reported. The American subsidiary of Elbit Systems, Elbit Systems of America, briefed U.S. officials on unmanned technology solutions for air, land and sea reconnaissance. Elbit Systems of America President Raanan Horowitz explained, “It is time to bring this experience home to our U.S. borders."Read more...

2. Israel Contributes to U.S. Counter-Terrorism Efforts Two former top American security officials published an op-ed in The Los Angeles Times showcasing substantial Israeli contributions to U.S. national interests, including counter-terrorism and technology. The op-ed, written by Robert D. Blackwill, deputy national security advisor for strategic planning in the George W. Bush administration, and Walter B. Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy in the Clinton administration, highlighted the “joint training, exercises and exchanges on military doctrine” that have benefited the United States.Read more...

3. Israel’s Catastrophe System Studied More than two dozen physicians from 17 countries are currently enrolled in a class at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center to learn how Israel deals with natural and man-made catastrophes, The Jerusalem Post reported. Rambam is the only trauma center in northern Israel and often receives soldiers injured on the Lebanese border. A neurology professor from Indonesia, who is enrolled in the course, explained, “We did not come to seek medical information, but guidance on how to get organized in case of these situations.”Read more...

4. Israel to Hold Exercises Preparing for WMD AttackThe IDF is planning to conduct a series of exercises preparing Israel for potential biological, chemical, or radioactive attacks, The Jerusalem Post reported. The exercises will be held in Haifa and will involve the IDF’s Home Front Command, Israel Police, and other emergency services in Israel. The series of exercises will simulate a number of possible attacks, including a radioactive dirty bomb. Hospitals in the area will also be tested for their level of preparedness.Read more...

5. IDF Holds Rocket Attack Simulation The IDF simulated a rocket attack on civilian infrastructure in central Israel earlier this month, Ha'aretz reported. Sirens sounded for 90 seconds as evacuation and absorption centers in the central part of the country were opened. Temporary centers in Holon and Bat Yam opened to hand out gas masks as part of this yearly exercise.Read more...

AIPAC's Homeland Security Monitor is a monthly summary of key articles highlighting the cooperative homeland security programs central to the strong and mutually beneficial strategic relationship between the United States and Israel. For more information on these issues, please write to homelandsecurity@aipac.org.